I have a bizarre relationship with winter coats and their built-in closures. As in, you’ll hardly ever find me wearing a jacket that’s zipped or buttoned to the neck.
But while walking the streets of New York, I recently found a styling trick that allows me to wear jackets as God intended, while still showing off my figure: Just add a belt. In fact, I’ve noticed quite a few posh NYC ladies, perfect blowouts and all, strolling across streets and gallivanting into restaurants with their chic wool coats smartly fastened—at the tiniest part of their torso—with a leather belt. Sometimes their coats are navy and their belts are black; other times they opt for camel outerwear and a tonal strap. But the look is always polished and figure-defining.
Here are four ways to effectively belt your way to a warmer winter—and one style to avoid.
